A hub can get connected to a common connection point for various devices in a data network. Hubs get connected to segments of a local area network or LAN network. On the other hand, Ethernet hubs contain multiple ports. And so, when a packet reaches one port, it gets automatically copied to the other ports for all the segments of the LAN that can configure all the data packets.
Hub is a tiny device that is rectangular in its outlook that can link more than one network-enabled device. Hub devices are extremely economical to purchase. Also, they are often made of plastic and receive power from any ordinary outlet.
The reason hub devices are used because they conveniently form a single segment network where all devices can collaboratively work. It’s known for its low cost and simplicity in its functioning.
Now when we talk about Ethernet Hubs, they are a little different from the smart hubs. Ethernet hubs are popularly known as USB hubs or USB devices.
SPEED: HUB VS ETHERNET
The speed of Ethernet hubs can go back and forth when it comes to bandwidth. Various Ethernet hubs were rated at somewhere around 10Mbps initially. However, eventually, the modern hubs have around a bandwidth of 100Mbps. It’s also true that modern hubs usually offer both 10Mbps and 100 Mbps capabilities, also referred to as dual-speed or 10/100 hubs.
The total number of ports an Ethernet hub can support does vary. A typical hub supports 4- and 5- port ethernet hubs. However, the most common hubs in the home networks are 8- and 16- port hubs. It can be found typically in home and small office environments. Also, ethernet hubs operate as Layer 1 devices in the OSI model.
It is also witnessed that older ethernet hubs are comparatively large and often noisy as it accommodates built-in fans for cooling the unit. But with progression in the modern hub advancements, they are noiseless, intact in size, and designed for mobility.
Hubs can also connect, which is known as ‘daisy-chaining,’ which ultimately broadens up the total number of devices a network hub can support.
WHAT ARE ACTIVE, PASSIVE, AND INTELLIGENT HUBS?
Hubs have variants too. Let’s go ahead and explore them one at a time.
Active Hubs: First of all, an active hub needs no electricity to work. It demands a central device that connects a network that can regenerate signals on the output surface to secure a strong signal. It is also called a multi-port repeater. Active hubs typically amplify just like a repeater.
Passive Hubs: With minor changes compared to Active Hub, a passive hub is also competent enough to run without electricity. The reason being, as a passive hub, neither regenerate nor amplifies. It rather conveniently disburses the signal arising from the previous ports. And so, they do not even amplify the electrical waves coming out from the incoming packets before broadcasting them out to any network.
Intelligent Hubs: When we talk about intelligent hubs, it plays a prominent role in the importance of business. An intelligent hub can quickly place multiple units located on top of the other to utilize space. Because intelligent hubs are versatile, they often as well, include remote management through virtual LAN, also called VLAN and SNMP support.
HOW DOES AN ETHERNET HUB WORK?
What a hub does is, it makes numerous Ethernet ports by repeating the network traffic. This way, the hub works like a splitter and works as it should be. One can connect to a router with a hub connecting a single cable. Connecting multiple devices to a hub also becomes easy.
Moreover, when one wants to network a group of devices using an Ethernet hub, it first demands to be equated to an ethernet cable into the unit, and joining the other end of the cable with NIC- Network Interface Card.
There is also a chance to open the network to synchronize more devices as ethernet hubs can be easily connected via switches and routers. RJ-45 is the connector every hub gets combined to.
When To Use An Ethernet Hub?
A hub can be used as a frequent connection spot for devices in network data. It is beneficial for the temporary replacement of any broken network switch or even increasing a network. Also, when it comes to performance, one should not rely on a hub.
Hubs are entirely different from switches and routers in a way that all the data packets which arrive at the hub are redirected to every single port regardless of the originating device it is connected with. And as a result, the entire network can suffer in terms of performance and lead to degradation of the results.
Nevertheless, all the hubs can perform nearly most of the functions related to employing network switches and have excellent compatibility.
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